MASONIC HALL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 2004, 2 June 1868, Page 4

MASONIC HALL.

CEREMONY OF LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE. Tho foundation stono of tho now Masonic Hall, Moray Place,. -was laid ycaterday with Masonic Honors, by the Right Worshipful Grand Master of New Zealand, Bro. Vincent Fyke. It had been intended that the ceremony should take place upon the anniversary of Her Majesty's Birthday, but tho inclemency of the wyather caused it to bo postponed. Yesterday the weather was, although rain had fallen during tho morning, all that could bo desired, and the proceedings were successfully and completely carried out. i

The Masonic Bodies had for a long I time felt tho necessity of a building for Masonic purposes, but it was not until tho beginning of tho year that action was. taken. A company was then formed, and theaito having boon purchased, a contract was entered into with Mr Ilorsman, for the erection of a building. designed by Messrs Mason and Clayton. The building is to bo strictly Grecian in stylo, tho portico being of the Corinthian order; tho buiding bo: Jig of brick, cemented. The Hall, as a whole, will have a frontage of 63ft. to Moray Place, and will be 77ft deep. It will include two large rooms— the lower ono 60ft by 40ft, and. 20ft. high, to be let for public purposes ; and the upper one 48ft by 38ft, which will bo strictly devoted to Masonic purposes. The Public. Hall will be well plastered, but plainly finished. Tho upper storoy will have, over the entrance hall, and tho small rooms there, a supper room, 'Jsft Gin by 15ft, with a shifting panel for dividing it into two apartments; and a serving room, 23ft by 10ft From the level of the two rooms, a flight of stairs will lead to tho Masonic Hall, at the west end of which, will bo two rooms, 14ft by 12ffc and 18ft by. 12ft, aa well as a lobby. The only entrances to the Hall: will bo through these rooms. The floor of the H«vll will be supported on iron girders. There will be no window opening or light-admitting aporture ; bnt there will be abundant ventilation.—The exterior of the buUding will (judging from the drawing) bo most pleasantly effective. Of the 77ft depth, »«in -will be occupied by tho portico. There will be

six plam-shafted Corinthi.,,, «,!„ high, supporting a con» w \ f J "ms-^ft pediment, tho apex of w]nl ''.'"'""U have, m bold relief, : , C r..ii,V , dwl to of 10H, the front will I* niit; •}"'l-t}-t above this there will be two , i • W"J ; bead and heart moulding { .!'m !: Mi'fi 'Masonic emblems. Above o,""1 *il« the main building rises h t . Vl . r \e '"'rt'C". there are two window or-i-nin' '"'; ;"^ small upper ro.mis), with em ..|| S {'~'. °« columns bearing semiciiculir -[1 }''' mc!'^ window being Hanked b y i,i!,o "''"'dl foliated capitals. iht^J^'^h the curmco is, at the centr,., („,;,.. f"*". a block-relief, and at each cn'l ,} m]i pilasters supporting a small :„li;,,''^ "^ It was arranged that tin-1 i,tri, t r Lodge, E.C., the Provincial ( a , "T' d S.C., and tho Shamrock j',,. .V. 1 ''f'*, Bhonld meet at tho JMasoi.i.- li '"'v , • members of daughter 1,,/l^ ,";..' * »Ik the new Post-office. Tins '\, •«',], ,"' ld "l all the lodges having ji>it<*.-d "l> M"^ sion was formed, all ti te man!,',,™ v ""■'*" Masonic jewels and regalia. '"'"'iij; Tho following was tho i.rder of .- sion « — l''<cn-

Floury'n P,; 1r ,,l District (i rand Martial X (' (Bro J. Copoland, on L,,kl-,'l i Provincial Grand Direct.,,-,,; (v ri ■ nv ''^J < ~ (Bro a. F. W.,,,1, V(" Visiting Brethren. Cclt'c Lodge ,S (' St John's Lodge, Milton Sc Clutha l.o<ip t ., x.t>. ' '" Shamrock Lmlfie, ij; St Ocoh'q'g ],(,<ljr,i, ].;'(j Wait alii Lo;i»e, X.c, ' Hiram Lodge, ]£.(; ' Lodg* St Cl.no, !S.C. St Andrew's Lo ■!•(.>, s'c T.ako Lodge ol < ijjhi'r. ]■; c Port Chalmers Marino Li»l^/e.o Lodge of Dune-din, !■;.?:' Otngo Kilwinning ! iwlye, >s c Lodge of <'tago, I .(' District and Provincial'(.mnd Tylcis *itS d;a»n swords ' Dißtrict Grand Or^tii.s^. Provincial 'irntxl Director <if Mv.vic. Two District Grand '-tr>w;iriln'" District Grand Junior Deacon, with Icy.-I ■ District Grand Senior Deaajii, with " comijahK.s. Provincial Grand Jurnc r Deacon, with TilnmU rule. Provincial Grand Senior Dcunn with M)uarc. Past Masters—F.O., .S.C., and 1.C.-witli mallet*. Past Masters, w th corn mul wine. Past Musters, with oil niiil islt. * District Grai-.d I'un-uivnnt. District Grand S-c«:itil. Proviuciil Giaud H:Mc l!caitr. District Grand st, w, r j, District Grand Kupt-rintunicnt of Works with jil:»n:i Provincial Giand .1.-\v.l!t-r. Past Masters, with t-croll ,vi,l coin*. Provincial Giand Steiv..rus. District and Provincial (hand '-ecrttiricK, with Koo'kk of ■ ''I'ii.tiliitidns. District and Provincial Grand I ivMurcre. District Grand Kej^lr.-ir. Past District and Provincial (Jr.iml Officers. District Grand Junior Ward on. 1 iatrict Grand Senior Warden. District Grand Steward. Provincial Grand Junior Warden. Provincial Grand .Senior Warden. Provincial Grand Steward. Provincial Grand Kegi- tr.-.r. Deputy JJistric, Grand' Master. District Grand Sword I'earcr. Bight Worshipful DiMnct (ir.«id Master. I'rovincial Cirand MaiU'r. t'rovineial Grand Sword Il'arrr Right Worshipful Provincial (irand M.aj!«;r. Dihtrict Grand Director of Certmuniea, Bro. J. Hynian. Provincial Grand Manual, Bro, J. J. Atkinson. Thcro was a larfjo number of persons present as tho procession left the l'ustoffico, and the streets all along ''lt; 'mc fif route were crowded with spectators, business being almost at a standstill. Tim procession proceeded up Princes fitrctt, through Manse street, down High fttrett, aikl along Princes street to Moray place. Upon arriving at the spot where tho cwemony was to take place, tlio procession opened out, and faced inwards. On the ground largo numbers wore asHciiiWwl. Every available eminence was occnpit'l, and tho tops of the cliffs .overhanging the site, were lined with people. A gallery had been erected for Jadii-s, and it was well filled. It wa3 very diilicult to wake an estimation of the number of paeons present, but wo lalicve there could uot have been less than 2QOO. There were '-X 72 members of tho Craft present. Tho scene was riot onlyimposing but pleasing, and we feel assured that the photograph which Mr Burton afterwards succeeded in taking, will be sought after by many, who will remember. thoday as one of great interest to them. The Freemasons having entered tho enclosure, tho R.W.G..T.M. lira V. Pyke, and others, took up positions on tho platform, and faced the stone. The Band took up its place outside. Before the- ceremony was commenced, Bro. V. Pyko directed tho Junior Wardens to bring to the platform, His Honor, tho Superintendent, Bro. James MMandrew, and His Worship, tho Mayor, l>roT. BirclL They were brought, and received with a few congratulatory; words by tho Bight Worshipful Grand Master of New Zealand, Bro. V. Pyko. The ceremony was commenced by w& Grand Superintendent of Works placing tho plans on tho table. They were received by tho Architect. The Band played the National Authciit —all standing uncovered. . Tho Right Worslripful District Gram* Master of Ot:igo, E.G., Bro. A. Carrie^ addressed tho brethren. He said that alt would agree with him that tho work jus^ commenced was one of honor to tho <-'"■"» and tho day would bo a good earnest that the Hall would ba soon ready for use. «£ such an auspicious occasion it woni not out of place to give a brief sketch 01 thorisoand progress, of Freemasonry m Otago. Eight years ago tho first }*<*#■» theXodgoof Otago, English Ocnstitutioa, was opened. It was followed by tw Otago Kiiwinning Lodge, S.C. ; and now there wore seven lodges under thefingiiw* Constitution, seven under tho »cotcn, i and ono under tho Irish Constitution. To show tho progress made in so fiiior* atimo, there were five Mjwonic Hal •' ' n theProvmco, all neat aud imposing strnotures, while one—that at Oaniaru, was* credit to tho Craft and to tho Proving. Thoro were in New Zealand 20 lodff» under the English, 14 under tho Scoteß, and.BundertholrisliCons»it.ution. l^ figures provedthat the Cra£Uiad prospoa^ and aa it had extended in other parts orx»» woxOd, ao ho trusted that it would <*«»»

Tiera, and that, from this day, another ora in its fortunate career would dawn. Pro. H. S. Fish, acting in the absence of tho Provincial Grand Chaplain, offered B p the following prayer :— Altaittfaty and Eternal God ! Architect and Holer of the Uhiverso, at whoae creative j fjat all thing* first were made : We. tho frail creatures of Thy providene", humbly beseech Thee to pour down upon this congregation the continual dew of Thy blessing. More opscially wo invoke Thy blef sing on this pur undertaking, ever rcmcwltenng tho object and a»" °* *n's Institution—obedience to Thy h^ly law. Grant, wo beseech Thee, that our order may flourish in every part of the globe, become influential in tho diffusion of tlioliijbtof window, aiding and strengthening reason, and diftHipithig and lessening human vice. May it tesch us to regulate crar actions by tho rtilft of unity, square our conduct by the principles of morality, and entfe our conversation and' our thoughts within the cot.pass of propriety. May the edifice which j« this day commenced bo carried forward to its completion prosperously- W° Thou protect the workmen ; secure them from all injury ; nnd when completed, may it be the, means of strengthening oar order. Finally, grant us.the knowledge of Thy truth :do Thou be our ruler ; and finally, admit us in o Thy everlasting king-dom-That houK': not mvle with hands, eternal iv tho heavens. Amen, so mote it he. Tho band played " Dai 1, Masonry.*' The District Grand Secretary Bro. IT. S. Fi.sli> j"n -> i'ead a scroll, which ho afterwards placed in tho vase about to bo lodged in tho cavity in the stone. The scroll, which was tastefully engrossed, read ai follows : —" The footstono of this building w;i3 levelled on the first day of June, otio thousand eight hundred and 'sixty-eight: in the year of Light, five thousand eight hundred arid seventy-two, tins thirty-second year of the reign of Her Mont "radons Majcity Q-ieen Victoria, by Vincent Pyko, .Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master of Now 'Zealand, Scottish Constitution ; Alexander Carrick Very Worshipful Deputy District Grand Master of Otago, English Constitution ; Charles White, Assistant Provincial Grand Registrar of Now Zealand, Irish Constitution; assisted by tho oflicobearera of tho District (jivmri Lodge of Otago, English Constitution; the Pro-vincii-1 Orand Lodgo of Now Zealand, Scottish Constitution; and in the presence of the Worshipful and Right Worshipful Masters, Oflico-boarcrs, and Brethren of the under-mentioned Lodges :— Celtic Lodge, Scottish Constitution, W. Uarron, Uight Worshipful Master ;St John's Lodge, Milton, Scottish Constitution, A. J. Ferguson, Right Worshipful Master; Olutha Lodge, Scottish Constitution, John M.'Neill, Right Worshipful Mfmter: Shamrock Lodge, Irish Constitution, Clmrles White, Worshipful Mastor; Wiiitnki Lorisje, English Constitution, William Luke, Worshipful Master ; Hiram Lodge, English Constitution, C. J. Levien, Worshipful Master ; Lodf'O St. Cl.'vir, Scottish Constitution, 0. U. Campbell, Right Worshipful Master : St. Andrew's Lodge, Scottish Constitution, Chas. Roue, Right Worshipful Masier ; Port Chalmers Marine Lodgo, En»liHli Constitution, Jno. Joj'ce, Worshipful Mastor ; Lod(<o of Dunediti, English Constitution, Frederick Russell, Worshipful Master; Otago Kilwinning Lodge, Scottish Constitution, S. T. Kerr, Right Worshipful Master; Lodge of Otogo, Englifh Constitution, H. E. Glennie, Worshipful Master. The name of the architect hereof ia William H. Clayton ; and tho name of tho builder is Edward Horsman. Tho Provincial Orand Secretary Bro. W. M. Hawkins, placed in tho vane the following coins :A. sovereign, half-sove-reign, crown, half-crown, florin, shilling, sixpence, threepence, penny, and halfpenny. The Assistant Provincial Grand Rogistnir of New Zealand, 1.0., Bro. Charles White, placed in tho vase copies of tho Kcmwj St-ar and Evening Maitoi the 30th nit, and tho Olago Daily Times of the day. Tho Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies presented, on behalf of tho Directors of the Masonic Hall Company, Bro. V. Pyko with a very handsome trowel. Tins trowel, which was of silver, elegantly chased, bore tho inscription :— " Pres'nited to Vincent Pyko, Esq., Provincial Grand Master of New Zealand, Scottish Constitution, on laying the foundation stop.l- of tlio Masonic Hall, Dunedin, June Ist, I8li8." Mr Morsman, the contractor, then laid the cr-ment on tho stone ; Bro. V. Pyke, 'lsingthu trowel which he had used at tho laving of the cornerstone of tho Tarndale Viaduct, spread tho cement. The upper atonu was then lowered with threu stops :at each stop tho brethren saluting tlirico. While this_ portion of the ceremony was proceeding, asaluto was fired at intervals by the Artillery, the signal lining given by Captain and Bro. J. J. Atkinson. The Hand played "Great Light to fihino." Tho "R.W.P.G.M. then said to the ()!iii:(-r-i : "You will cause tho various im-I'k-ninits to b.; applied to tho stone, that it Jnay (i; laid in its bed according to tho rules of M.-vHonry. ; The Provincial Grand Registrar called ifT Hits plumb, which was applied by the ''uirior Warden. The square and tho Itvcl v,ert: c:vlled for and applied. Th« R.W.P.G. Master, tho P.G-. J'^MUv.r, and tho R.W.D.G. Master, wch t.tpped tho stone thrice with tho i ifrilk-t, and declared it well and truly hid. May fir; Almighty Architect of tho Univir/r. ;,,, i< ,: mv ,i -with benignity upon our I 1 i i mi<lcrtrJ;injr, and crown tho edifice •■!_vfliic:! we. havo now laid tho foundation *'ith every nucccss. Three <:]i»urs were then given, and *'t! kind played, "On, on my dear hMhrvn."' The Architflet (Mr W. 11. Clayton) t»r<.".< : iii,.,] Hi., pinna. They were inspected, wl ictiinicd to him, tho 1tW.P.G.13. that the completion of ihip j'iiililiii^ would add another wreath to tho l.uin.h Mr Clayton had gained as an architect, and would add another to the '"any graceful and artistic ornaments in we city ; m ,\ t] io colony winch had been !li" wnrk f ,f hia hands. ,i'!ie R.W.P.G.M. sprinkled the stone *'th cf.m, the symbol of nourishment, 1 <'I«red iho tho following prayer :— ./Kv the Great Author of tho Universe b«n tii-i inhabitants of this place with the 8 of lifo. and grant to ns all an *b«ndant supply of tho corn of nourishment. Tuo wine of refreshment, the oil of joy,

and salt, wore successively sprinkled on tho stone. Brother M. W. Hawkins, Deputy P.G. Chaplain, offered up prayer, and tho band played the Masons' Anthem. Tho R.W.G.M. Bro. Pyko addressed those present. He said— R.W. and W Officers of the D. and P. Grand Lodge*, 11. W. and W. Masters*. Wardens, and Brethren of tho Masonic Frnferj nity—l congratulate you upon having, I to-day, taken the first step in operative Masonry. Hitherto wo have laborea under many difucnltica, owing to the restricted nature of tho accommodation available for our purposo ; but when this building shall have been completed, and the cope-stono shall have been lifted into its place, we shall have more ample space for the exercise of our Masonic duties. Nothing can bo more hopeful or satisfactory than tho progress which Freemasonry his already made in this Province ; and bo great is my faith in its vitality, that I feel assured the future will even excel tho past. Ladies and Citizens— W-? have this day, in your presence, levelled tho footstono of a Masonic Temple, in accordance with tho ancient and established usages of our Craft. Our operative brethren reared the magnificent temples and the gorgeous palaces of tho antique world ; and in subsequent eras, they designed and erected tho solemn fanes, tho princely mansions, and the lordly towers of civilized Europe, tt is not for us to strive to emulate " The glory that was Greece, And the grandeur that waa Rome." It is not for us to institute comparison between our humblfs labors, and tho architectural splendour of the Middle Apes, But we m.'iy fairly claim that tho building which we purpose to erect, will be creditable to our order and an ornament to tho city. And, lc-t mo call yonr attention to the fact, the ♦ra of the revival of Freemasonry is also the era of constitutional liberty. In tho oM en times our brethren were compelled to assemble in crypts and vaults, hi secrecy and tirror. In despotically governed countries, they met in fecret terror still. But wheresoever freedom nourishes, there Freemasonry lifts up its honored head in tho broad light of day. A little more than 150 years ago, there was scarcely a Masonic temple in the world. Now, every town, almost every village in the British Empire, in tho United States, and in tho free countries of Europe, has its Masonic Hall or its Lodge ; and Masonry is slowly but surely extending its way into other lands. Monarchß are its pntrons, philosophers arc its advocates. DP" vines arc its expoanrlr ra, and statesmen aro its defenders Donjon and keep—dark strongholds of feudal tyranny —-have crumbled into dust, and the noble edifice of Freemasonry has arisen on their ruins. Our happy native land needs no fortresses, for every loyal hcirt in a tower of strong' h, and tho best guarantees for the preservation of that order and liberty which we ho highly prize, are to Ik> found in the extension of masonic principles If you twk inn what those principles are. I will define them in the words of one greater than I, thus:—"Honor all men, love the Brotherhood, fear God, honor tho King." The dreadful din of political warfare, and tho horrid discord of sectarian strife, aro never heard within our peaceful h*lls. Wo have not tho insensate pr-'Humption to dicta to to any man what his political faith, or his religious creed, should be. Wo agree thattheso are matters which can only bo referred to the sacred tribunals of every man's own reason and conscience. In all tho world Freemasonry offers, tho only broad plitform where n all men mny unite without regard to the narrow limits of particular in«t tutions, whether civil or religious. Wo know that our work in a good and righteous work ; and, therefore, it is with unfeigned satisfaction that wo observe tho interest taken in our proceedings, aa evinced by tho presence of so many citizf-ns. To you, fair Sitters, who constitute tho lonic capital of polished society, our thanks arc especially due. Although you may not bo admitted to our Lodges, yon aro over remembered and sacredly regarded in our most sublime ceremonies, and nothing has so greatly cheered as the presence of your bright eyes and smiling faces, which nave imparted such unusual lustre to our proceedings this day. And permit mo to inform you that you have not been forgotten in tho design of our buddinc.-which will include a spacious hall available for public and social purposes. it.W. and W. Officers and . Brethren—l accept it as a happy omen that so nrmy of you have shown youraclves on this occasion, because it is a proof patent'to t:o outer world that you do not lightly esteem your Masonic privileges. The craftsmen may hew the stone and spread the cement; but all his labor will bo in vain, unless, thi Supreme MasW Builder of tho Universe bo pleased to favor tho design. lam euro you will all join with mo in tho expression of a fervent hope that the summer of fruition may follow the spring-tiino of our undurtnkinc, and that Freemasonry may continue to fionriih, in spite of all opposition, throughout the habitnblo globe. May it become instrumental in diffusing tho light of wisdom, in aiding tho strength of reason, in dispensing tho beauties of virtue, and in h-seening the aggregate of human misery and vine ; and may our own conduct in this life bi such, th.it when our fr.-iil bodies thall minplo with the dust, we may Iwi found worthy of admittance into that Grand Temple which is not made with hands, but is eternal in the heavens. His Honor tho Superintendent, Bro. Jatnos Macandrow, said— Ifc had afforded him great plcatnro and satisfaction at being present. In. tho presence of much older, and much more experienced craftsmen than himself, and after the ■* eloquent address from tho R.W.P.G.M., it was not Ha intention to ! speak of tho advantages of Masonry, but ho might be permitted to congratulate the j brethren upon tho position they had gained, to congratulate them upon tho success of tho I day's proceedings, and to congratulate tho citizens upon tho addition to the city of another hnndsomo buillintr. lie hoped that tho Divine Architect would prosper all their undertakings, whether as private individuals or as public bodies, that they and their institutions mijjhl. ba bnilt upon tho beat and surest foundation. He trusted that tho good work begun by the F.-eemasins would be carried oa, tint the rising generation wo'iM follow in their footsteps—working for good ends. As SupeHntondent. ho was glad to bo present on the occasion of tho I laying tho fonnd.Vton of a building which would bo au ornament to the City. Tho Mayor, Bro. T. Birch, Esq.— Congratulated tho citizens upon tho proceedings of tho day, a day t^a? must and would work good for all. Ho wa3 proud and glad that there weVo so many of the citizens present, ani that bo large and warm an interest hid been taken in tljo ceremony. It was a subject of congratulation that tho Hall would not only bo one of which Dunedin might be proud, but it would be one where all classes, all countries, all creeds, and denominations would moot in friendship. Cheers were givon for tho Snperintendent, the Mayor, and the Ladies ; and, at the instance of the Mayor, three

hearty cheers were given by the spectators for the Masons. The District Grand Registrar, Brother Charles White, said— Upon the rare occaiions when, as Freemasons, wo aro permitted to appear in public, it is customary for somo brother, appointed for that purpose, to address the brethren in a few words as a peroration upon thoso truly Mawnio virfcueo—unity and harmony ; thia duty ha« been appointed me. Here, to-day, are represented by substitutes, the three Grand Lodges of the British Islca, who throughout have acted with ent.re accord. Thin fact of itself must be sufficient to evince to the brethren that principlo o f unity that I have before characterised; and the success of the present undertaking, in spite of rmny obstacles, must undouiwdly present ituelf to our brethren aa proof conclusive of perfect I harmony, f doubt not that this nnity and harmony will continue, and when the temple shall be completed, of which we have thin day laid the corner stone, the like virtues will be display d at the consecration, j And when this temple shall h»vo been consecrated in brotherly love, peace, and truth, may it long continue and remain a monument which ages car not Wither, nor adversity decay. May wo long enjoy within that sacred cdifico the satisfaction and d-:------light which disinterested friendship cun alone afford ! May kindness and brotherly love distinguish our conduct as men and as Masons ! Within those peaceful walls may our children's children celebrate with joy and gratitudo the anniversary of thin auspicious ceremony 1 May the genuine tenets and principle* of our order bo preserved pure and inviolable from generation to generation I May brotherly love prevail, and every moral and social virtue cement and adorn us! I Amen I So mote it be 1" ■ The band then struck up " Rule Britannia," and tho proceedings terminated. Bro. W. J. Burton managed, after a fail tiro, caused by tho pranks of a few boys, to take a photograph of tho scene. Tho procession waa re-formed, and again, headed by tho band, it marched back to tho Post Office. Hero a dejeuner was set out, of which tho members partook, and thus tho events of a day to bo long remembered ended. Wo cannot close our report without expressing satisfaction at the manner in which tho programme was carried out. Everything was well arranged; tho marshals and directors of the ceremonies performed tho duties admirably ; there was no hitch or delay, and nothing occurred to in any way mar tho effect of an imposing and interesting ceremony.